NEWSROOM

Background

The family of coronaviruses were first discovered in the 1960s. What these viruses have in common and what they are named for are the crown-like spikes on their surface. There are seven coronaviruses that can affect humans.(1) It is currently believed that COVID-2019 has a genetic make-up that is about 70% similar to the SARS-CoV.(1) As a point of comparison, during the eight month that SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) was active it was responsible for just over 8,000 known infections and 774 deaths. As of February 15th, 2020 (roughly six weeks since COVID-2019 was first identified) twenty-four countries have confirmed cases of COVID-2019 and there are over 49,000 confirmed cases (505 outside of China) and 1,381 deaths (only 2 outside of China). Here is a link to the countries that have confirmed cases.(2) Here is a link to the WHO COVID-2019 Updates.

Symptoms

There are four types of common coronaviruses (229E, NL63, OC43 and HKU1) that are associated with the common cold that affects most individuals at some time in their life. The typical coronavirus infection is short-lived with symptoms such as a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever and a general feeling of being unwell. In compromised individuals, the elderly, the young and those with a compromised immune system or other severe health issues, the common coronaviruses can cause bronchitis or pneumonia.(1)

The COVID-2019 is a new strain. It often begins as a common cold with fever, lethargy, cough and difficulty breathing. Additional symptoms may include sore throat, nasal congestion and swollen adenoids. In some people, especially those that are compromised, it can rapidly cause respiratory symptoms including viral pneumonia. The rapid progression is what makes individuals very ill and can cause death.

Transmission
Human coronaviruses are commonly spread from direct contact between an infected person to others through:(1)

• the air by coughing and sneezing
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
• rarely, is fecal contamination a mode of transmission

Travellers returning from China or other areas affected by a potentially deadly coronavirus should monitor themselves for symptoms of respiratory ailments for 14 days. Anyone who develops a fever, cough or breathing difficulties within two weeks of travelling to Wuhan or its neighbouring provinces should isolate themselves and seek a medical assessment."

Prevention

The following steps may be beneficial for preventing risk of most infections. Please note that there currently are no recognized treatments to prevent or treat COVID-2019.

• Hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water. Always wash your hands before preparing food and before eating. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cough hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, it is better to cough into your shirt sleeve; not your hands and always wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.(3) 
• Food hygiene: Ensure that you use a different cutting board for meat and vegetables. Clean your cutting boards well. Avoid sharing water, food, or products (glasses, cutlery, hygiene products) with someone who has a respiratory infection.
• Clean surfaces: Whether grocery shopping, flying or exposed to something new, clean and disinfect all objects and surfaces that you touch.
• Avoidance: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you have a cold or flu stay home to limit your risk of spreading the infection to other and to support the healing process. Avoid large crowds when the risk is high. If you choose to wear a mask, choose a mask that covers both your nose and mouth.

Health Promotion

Naturopathic care recognizes the importance of both decreasing exposure and addressing individual susceptibility as a way of promoting overall health. The following guidelines may be beneficial in supporting overall health. For specific recommendations it is important to work with your naturopathic practitioner or medically trained health care practitioner.

• Stay hydrated: Ensure adequate hydration, especially if there are signs of dehydration to assist the body in fighting infections.
• Clean balanced diet: Limit known food intolerances; ensure balanced nutrition including lean protein, vegetables and whole grains; and limit foods that contribute to mucous (such as excess bread, dairy, yeast and bananas).(4) Limit processed food and foods high in salt and sugar.(5)
• Spices: Many warming spices have anti-microbial and anti-viral properties. Spices such as garlic, ginger, thyme, oregano and sage are easily added to teas and food dishes.
• Sleep: Ensure adequate sleep. When you have symptoms of a cold or flu it is common to require more sleep.(6)
• Stress Management: Reduce and manage stress. Positive relationships are associated with a stronger immunity and overall health.(7)
• Indoor pollutants: Address indoor pollutants such as mould as they can worsen lung related illnesses.(8, 9)
• Avoid smoking: Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke can increase your susceptibility of lung-related illnesses.(10)
• Exercise: Moderate exercise enhances immune function and lowers the risk of respiratory infections. Intensive exercise can suppress normal immune reactions and is best avoided if unwell.(11)

It is important to follow the advice of your local Ministry of Health during any outbreak.

Diagnosis

Clinical criteria include fever or history of fever (≥38 ºC) and acute respiratory infection (sudden onset of respiratory infection at least one of shortness of breath, cough or sore throat).

Or

Severe acute respiratory infection requiring admission to hospital with clinical or radiological evidence of pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (i.e., even if no evidence of a fever).

Please note that the information above may change as more information is available on this virus. To stay up-to-date on the COVID-2019 and other coronaviruses please check out the Centre for Disease Control at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html or your local Ministry of Health.

References

1 Center for Disease Control. 2020. Novel coronavirus 2019, Wuhan, China. www.cdc.gov

2 CDC – Confirmed locations: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/locations-confirmedcases.html#locations

3. Effectiveness of cough etiquette maneuvers in disrupting the chain of transmission of infectious respiratory diseases: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC38461...

4. Effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on immune function in older people: a randomized controlled trial: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/96/6/1429/45...

5. Ullah M, Akhtar M, Hussain F, Imran M. 2015. Efects of sugar, salt, and distilled water on white blood cells and platelet cells. J Tumor. 4(1):354-358.http://www.ghrnet.org/index.php/JT/article/view/13...

6. Sleep and Immune Function: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC32563...

7. Indoor Air Quality and Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC57079...

8. Anger, stress, dysregulation produces wear and tear on the lung https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC21047... 

9. Air pollutants and early origins of respiratory diseases: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC60339...

10. The Health Consequences of Smoking: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK294322/

11. Casteleijn, D., & Finney-Brown, T., (2014). Respiratory Infections and Immune Insufficiency. In J. Sarris & J. Wardle (Ed’s), Clinical Naturopathy: An Evidenced Based Guide to Practice (pp. 159-182) Elsevier, Sydney. 

Contributors:

Dr. Iva Lloyd, BCPP, ND – President of the World Naturopathic Federation (WNF)

Dr. Paul Saunders, PhD, ND – Research Committee, WNF

Tina Hausser, naturopath, Heilpraktiker – 1st Vice-President, WNF

David Casteleijn, BHSc(Naturopathy), MHSc (Herbal Medicine), RN, MNHAA – Secretary WNF

• Herbs such as ginger, garlic, thyme, elderflower and cinnamon, when added to teas or food, can be beneficial for fever management.
• Foods such as onions, garlic, fennel, cloves, elderberries and green tea have medicinal qualities that could be beneficial in supporting respiratory conditions.
• Supplements such as Vitamin D3/K2, Echinacea, Vitamin C and probiotics may be beneficial, Zinc gluconate has been shown to reduce oral viral loads and is effective for sore throats.
• Acupuncture may be helpful in opening up the lung meridians.

The World Naturopathic Federation has prepared a public document outlining the background, symptoms, transmission, and prevention for the nCoV 2019. Click here to access.

The World Health Organisation provides detailed information and daily updates at:
https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/nov...

For further information, case studies or interviews, please contact katie@osbornecomms.co.uk

The British Naturopathic Association (BNA) is a professional association for Registered Naturopaths providing mutual support, protection and continuing education for the furtherance of naturopathy.

The BNA has been accrediting naturopathic practitioners across the UK since 1945.

Naturopathy is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. It is based on the healing power of nature and supports and stimulates the body’s ability to heal itself.

Naturopathy is the art and science of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention using natural therapies including dietetics, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, fasting, naturopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, exercise, lifestyle counselling, detoxification and chelation, environmental assessment and adjustment, spiritual healing, health promotion and disease revention.

Find a GCRN-registered practitioner here.

1. What are the top three natural remedies you would recommend to patients who want to stay healthy throughout winter?

a. Elderberry liquid is my favourite - it kills bacteria and viruses on contact, can be gathered from the wild berries in the autumn and tastes good, and the safety of black elder is seen by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as GRAS (generally recognised as safe)

This meta-analysis of several studies shows efficacy and safety in the use of elderberry as treatment of cold and influenza symptoms and this lab study shows the effects on various bacteria as well as the flu virus.

b. Larch arabinogalactan (powdered extract from the larch tree) - it is known to boost the immune system and protect against cold infections as well as being protective against some forms of cancer

c. This study on 199 people suffering frequent infection with colds found that larch arabinogalactan increased the body's ability to protect them against this. This review of clinical trials found that larch arabinogalactan is capable of enhancing natural killer cells and macrophages (white blood cells) as well as the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (cell-signalling molecules) to protect against infections.

d. Reduce intake of sugar and mucous-forming foods such as red meat, dairy products, bread, eggs, corn, soya at the first sign of illness and concentrate on vegetable soups - this supports the body's immune system and allows for improved health of the microbiome by promoting healthy gut bacteria.

e. Some viral infections alter the metabolism of the body by increasing the transport of sugar and the activity of sugar metabolising genes in the body to help the virus to multiply https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30004655 and the amount of sugar intake as part of a standard. Western diet and as compared with a low fat plant diet can alter gut bacteria in one day https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20368178

1. What is the best natural remedy for a sore throat?
Bee propolis, but make sure you aren't allergic to bees before using this - propolis is antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Propolis from different world regions can have different effects due to the different types of pollen harvested by the bees https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31146392

2. What are the best natural remedies for headache/migraine?
There are many different causes of headache and migraine, and it's best to make sure that the cause is not due to an underlying illness. A registered naturopath will screen for diseases and can decide whether food intolerance might be playing a part. A physical therapy such as osteopathic manipulation, or acupuncture have been part of a successful treatment approach for many patients with headaches and migraines. Traditional herbal remedies include butterbur (previously available over the counter, now only available from a registered herbalist) feverfew and gingko biloba https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25892430

3. What are the best natural remedies for aches and pains?
As with headaches this depends entirely on the individual and the reason for their aches and pains. If vitamin D levels are low (common in the UK), a supplement may help with general aches and pains, although this is currently a controversial topic due to the relatively low vitamin D levels used in some studies. Vitamin D may also help with any associated depression: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27860257

A magnesium supplement for people with magnesium deficiency (which is also very common in the UK) can be very helpful for both generalised muscle pain and also tension headaches: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11918431 and should particularly be considered in anyone suffering from cramps: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8754704. The citrate form is well absorbed, but the glycinate form of magnesium is less likely to result in loose stools at high doses.

There is also some emerging research on CBD oil for aches and pains: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31202200

4. What are the best natural remedies of upset tummies?
There are various causes of upset tummies, however a digestive enzyme tablet along with fasting on water only will often stop diarrhoea. This is based on observation of efficacy in clinical practice. If you are not taking prescribed medication it is generally safe to fast on water only for 24 hours, although you should consult a registered naturopath if you have not fasted before or would like support for a longer fast.

5. How important is good nutrition, exercise, sleep to help prevent disease?
These are all essential and form the foundation of naturopathic treatment. Poor nutrition, lack of exercise and lack of sleep are also contributors to many disorders and diseases that naturopaths can help with.

6. What are the benefits of treating the whole person rather than a single ailment?
One ailment may be a symptom of a generalised problem affecting various areas of health. Treating just one symptom is less likely to resolve the problem in the long term, whereas a holistic approach can support the person in addressing the cause. Learning more about your areas of constitutional weakness and how to strengthen them can result in an improved all round health, as well as helping with symptoms.

7. Naturopathy harnesses the power of nature to help the body heal itself and tries to get to the cause of a problem. How does this approach sit alongside conventional medical approaches?
Whereas conventional medical approaches are well-suited for the acute care of patients with serious injuries and conditions requiring complex surgery, patients are not typically treated as individuals, but according to whether their symptoms fit the pattern of being likely to respond to a particular pharmaceutical medication. A naturopathic approach is more likely to be helpful in diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions and complex disorders with influences from environmental toxins or dietary factors. The healing power of nature can take time, dedication, and may require education of patients who are used to getting a pill for every ill.

For further information, case studies or interviews, please contact katie@osbornecomms.co.uk

The GCRN is the largest and oldest (we can trace our roots back to 1920) registering body for practitioners of Naturopathy in the UK.GCRN registered Naturopaths are trained to the highest standards in the UK. We only accept Naturopaths onto our register if they have fulfilled our rigorous criteria. We accept only Naturopaths with degree status in Naturopathy or an allied discipline, or those who have shown excellence in practice. We also insist on a strict code of conduct and ethical standards from our practitioners. We take complaints against our members seriously: your health and best interests are our primary concern. Fortunately, complaints about our members are exceptionally rare.

Naturopathy is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. It is based on the healing power of nature and supports and stimulates the body’s ability to heal itself.Naturopathy is the art and science of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention using natural therapies including dietetics, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, fasting, naturopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, exercise, lifestyle counselling, detoxification and chelation, environmental assessment and adjustment, spiritual healing, health promotion and disease prevention.Find a GCRN-registered practitioner here.